Surfers raise more than $20,000 for cancer foundation

Michael Wright/ Sparkable/Brynn Gallagher,  11, of Ocean City, swept women’s divisions and her father, Chad Gallagher, who won first place in the master’s division, celebrate on the beach at the 19th annual Surf For A Cause Saturday, Sept. 7 in Margate.

MARGATE CITY – With ideal surfing conditions on the water, the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation made a big impact for people with cancer on Saturday, Sept. 7.

The 19th annual Surf For A Cause held at Decatur Avenue beach in Margate raised more than $20,000 with funds still being counted. More than 75 people participated in the surfing contest and the Surf It Forward fundraising campaign with hundreds more attending throughout the day.

“It’s incredible to see the support from the surfing community after 19 years,” said foundation President Mark Zappone of Linwood. “It was a great day on the beach and it was an honor to recognize past president and longtime board member Dan Cellucci for all his contributions to the DRCF over the years.”

Eleven-year-old Brynn Gallagher was the star surfer of the day, taking home first prize in each and every women’s division.

The top fundraisers were Michelle Barbara and Cole Larson awho each won a custom-shaped surfboard from Brian Wynn Surfboards that will be built to their specifications.

The second-place fundraisers were James and Michael Carr, who were presented with a Hamboards skateboard designed to mimic a surfboard in its riding style.

The third-place fundraisers Colin and Cody Schwiem each received a gift certificate to Heritage Surf and Sport in Margate. Carter Hanin received an honorable mention for his fundraising efforts.  

The Icla da Silva Foundation, a recruitment center for the Be The Match Registry registered people for the National Marrow Donor Program on Saturday.

The Danbees and  Jo-Jo From the Jo-Jo and Scotty Morning Show on 100.7 WZXL provided entertainment for the after party, which was held at Ventura’s Greenhouse.

Members of the South Jersey Boardriders Club served as judges for the surfing contest and held a stand alone, tag-team style competition with participants joining forces to represent local regions.  The Absecon Island team took home the honors in this uniquely formatted surfing competition.

Divisional winners for the 19th annual Surf For A Cause:

Gromettes – Girls 12 years old and younger

• 3rd Marina Zappone
• 2nd Emily Logan
• 1st Brynn Gallagher

Junior Men – 15 -17 years old

• 3rd- Mitchell Zappone
• 2nd – Andrew Middlesworth
• 1st – William Bumbernick

Legends Men – 45 years and older

• 3rd – Frank Messina
• 2nd – Steve Swift
• 1st – Chad Gallagher

Master’s Men – 25-34 years old

• 3rd – Michael Cameron
• 2nd – Matthew Andra
• 1st – Kris Shinn

Girls – 13-15 years old

• 3rd- Mia Gallagher
• 2nd – Siena McDermott
• 1st – Brynn Gallagher

Men -18-24 years old

• 3rd – Nicholas Giunta
• 2nd – William Bumbernick
• 1st- Nick Ceccoli

Groms – 11 years old and younger

• 3rd – Kegan Cameron
• 2nd – Keenan Cameron
• 1st – Keller Tannehill

Open Stand-Up Paddleboard

• 1st-Abby Maglietta

Women – 18 years and older

• 3rd – Mia Gallagher
• 2nd- Lindsay Tate
• 1st – Brynn Gallagher 

Boys – 12-14 years old

• 3rd- Cody Schweim
• 2nd – Colin Schweim
• 1st – Kaden Cameron

Longboard

• 3rd – John DePersenaire
• 2nd – Sean Duffey
• 1st – Matthew Zappone

South Jersey Board Riders Team Competition

• 3rd- Wildwood
• 2nd – Ocean City
• 1st – Absecon Island